Blood Types Explained | Blood Groups (ABO) and Rh Factor Nursing Transfusions Compatibility

Blood typing made easy with explanation on ABO blood groups and Rh factor for nurses (blood transfusions). There are 8 total blood types from four blood groups (A, B, AB, O). In nursing we transfuse blood, but before we do this we have to collect blood from the patient who will be receiving the blood transfusion. The patient’s blood will be typed and crossmatched with a donor. The donor’s blood must be compatible with our patient to prevent a transfusion reaction. To understand blood typing, you have to understand the relationship between antigens and antibodies. What are red blood cell antigens? They are either present or absent on the surface of RBC. All red blood cells have them EXCEPT Type O RBCs. Antigens are proteins that can elicit an immune response when they come into contact with its corresponding antibodies. Therefore, they stimulate antibodies to defend the body. So, when the same red blood cell antigens and antibodies get together it will cause an IMMUNE RESPONSE called agglutination. Th